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Is motor competence associated with the risk of central obesity in preschoolers?
Rafael S Henrique1, David F Stodden2, Job Fransen3
1Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
Insights
Improving locomotor skills in preschool children can help reduce central obesity. Higher motor competence (MC) is linked to a lower likelihood of developing central obesity, a common issue in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Motor Development
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Central obesity is a growing concern in preschool children.
- Motor competence (MC) may play a role in the development of central obesity.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing childhood obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between motor competence and central obesity in preschool children.
- To determine if specific motor skills are more strongly related to central obesity.
- To provide evidence for targeted interventions to prevent childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 472 preschool children (3-5 years) in Recife, Brazil.
- Motor competence assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2.
- Central obesity defined by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥ 0.5; logistic regression used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of central obesity was 54.0% in boys and 46.4% in girls.
- Older age and higher motor competence in locomotor skills were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of central obesity (P < .01).
- Object control skills and sex were not significantly associated with central obesity.
Conclusions:
- Locomotor skills are key for preventing central obesity in young children.
- Health practitioners should promote the development of locomotor skills from preschool age.
- Interventions targeting motor competence may be effective in combating childhood central obesity.
Objectives:
To investigate the association between motor competence (MC) and central obesity in preschool children.
Methods:
The sample comprised of 472 children aged 3 to 5 years (4.58 ± 0.70 years, 248 boys) from Recife, Brazil. MC was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated and a cutoff of 0.5 was used to define central obesity. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between MC and WHtR ≥ 0.5.
Results:
The prevalence of central obesity (WHtR) was 54.0% and 46.4% for boys and girls, respectively. Older children (OR = 0.61; CI = 0.44-0.84; P < .01) and those with higher MC in locomotor skills (OR = 0.96; CI = 0.93-0.99; P < .01) were less likely to present WHtR ≥ 0.5. Sex and object control skills were not associated with WHtR ≥ 0.5.
Conclusions:
To reduce the risks of central obesity in children, health practitioners should focus on increasing competence in locomotor skills since preschool years.
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